Ethics in practice

Professional Responsibility Program

The Professional Responsibility Program is dedicated to helping WSBA members fulfill their ethical obligations under the Rules of Professional Conduct. The program is staffed by the WSBA Professional Responsibility Counsel who answers inquiries from members received on the Ethics Line, speaks at CLE presentations, and staffs the Committee on Professional Ethics which issues advisory opinions and makes recommendations on amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct.

The program is also assisted by two staff attorneys, two paralegals, and support staff. The Ethics Line does not handle lawyer discipline, attorney-client disputes, or provide guidance on rules other than the Rules of Professional Conduct.

The Bar has assembled an unofficial version of the lawyer Rules of Professional Conduct as amended through June 4, 2019. Download the pdf or contact questions@wsba.org to purchase a printed bound copy. (Note: the difference between the Sept. 25, 2018 edition and the Nov. 20, 2018 edition are two updated CJC citations in RPC 1.12, Cmt 1.)